METRO Gets an “A” for Financial Transparency

A national consumer advocacy organization and its state affiliate have given the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) an “A” for showing taxpayers how their money is spent. U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) and TexPIRG compared METRO’s financial disclosures against dozens of other districts across the country.

Each year, the group releases a report titled “Following the Money” which tracks states’ progress providing public access to online information regarding spending. This year, the report focused on spending transparency and special districts. Out of the 79 special districts studied across the country METRO received one of the highest scores for its financial transparency.

“I’d like to commend the Port of Houston and the MTA of Harris County for getting high honors in this year’s PIRG report, and leading the way for special purpose districts when it comes to financial transparency,” said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

“METRO operations and financial reports have been open and accessible to the public for several years now,” said Tom Lambert, METRO’s president & CEO. “We are extremely proud to be recognized nationally.”

Examples of METRO’s transparency efforts include streaming board meetings and public hearings on www.ridemetro.org. In addition, METRO offers a single web page that offers a glance at the agency’s check register, budgets, financial reports, bond disclosure documents and instructions on filing an open records request.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on a New Bus Network, METRORail‘s expanded system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find information about their T.R.I.P. app, and METRO’s Next Bus Arrival texting as well as their free Mobile TIcketing app.